Encyclopedia

Fragrance / Fixatives

9 fragrance / fixative ingredients explained in plain English.

Benzoin Resinoid Styrax Tonkinensis Resin Extract Aromatic resin from Styrax trees. Sweet vanilla-balsamic scent, natural fragrance fixative, mild preservative-supporting and antioxidant action. 0.5-3% Benzyl Benzoate Benzyl Benzoate A faintly sweet fixative and solvent that anchors fragrance blends, dissolves crystalline aromatics, and has a long history in pharmaceutical applications. 1-25% Benzyl Salicylate Benzyl Salicylate Faint, sweet balsamic fixative that slows evaporation of top notes, with weak UV-absorbing properties. 1-10% (perfume), 0.5-5% (cosmetics) Jasmine Absolute Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract The queen of perfumery — a rich, warm, intensely floral absolute solvent-extracted from jasmine blossoms. Heart-to-base note with exceptional depth. 0.1-2% Myrrh Resinoid Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract Aromatic resin from Commiphora trees. Deep earthy-balsamic scent, traditional skincare uses for wound care and mature skin, natural fragrance fixative. 0.5-3% Oakmoss Absolute Evernia Prunastri Extract Earthy, mossy, damp-forest base note essential to chypre and fougère perfumery. IFRA-restricted — only atranol-removed grades are suitable for skin-safe formulation. 0.05-2% Tobacco Absolute Nicotiana Tabacum Leaf Extract Rich, warm, hay-like base note with dried-fruit and leather undertones. A staple of niche and masculine perfumery, solvent-extracted from cured tobacco leaves. 0.1-2% Vanilla Absolute Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract Rich, warm, balsamic-sweet base note solvent-extracted from cured vanilla beans. Far more complex than synthetic vanillin, with hundreds of aromatic compounds. 0.1-2% Violet Absolute Viola Odorata Flower Extract Delicate, powdery-floral, slightly green heart-to-base note. One of the rarest and most expensive absolutes in perfumery, prized for its soft, sophisticated character. 0.1-2%